4 multidimential character of qur - ummul kitab · 4.4. qur’anic encouragement to scientific...
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4 MULTIDIMENTIAL CHARACTER OF QUR’ANIC REVELATIONS
The Quran is not merely a book of religious codes and rituals. It is comprehensive
book of guidance which outlines unambiguously the basic principles which should
govern the human affairs in the world. It is a concise book of knowledge which
repeatedly asks man to continuously search for the bounties of Allah which have been
created for the benefit of human beings. It also reminds human beings constantly of
their accountability to Allah (swt) on the Day of Ressurrection, which will indeed
happen without an iota of doubt.
Since human life is multi-dimensional hence the the Qur’an, the divine book of
guidance is also multi-dimensional as is highlighted in the following diagram.
This graphic representation is an attempt to sharply focus attention on the
multidimensional character of the inimitable Qur’an. The following paragraphs offer a
synoptic statement on each of the dimensions of the Qur’anic revelations displayed
graphically.
The Quranic revelations can be broadly classified into the following five categories
4.1. Five Pillars of Islam
4.2. Historic Perspectives in the Qur’an
4.3. Islamic Ethos
4.4. Qur’anic Encouragement to Scientific Research and Acquisition of knowledge.
4.5. Qiamah (Day of Resurrection or Reckoning) and Accountability to Allah (SWT)
4.1. FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
The Revelations in the Qur’an guide the Muslims on the basic tenets of Islam such as
belief in the unity and attributes of Allah (swt), Iman and Shadah, Salaat i.e. five times
daily prayers and congregational prayers, Saum or Fasting, Zakaat i.e. Poor due and Hajj
pilgrimage. These are called FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM.
4.2. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES
They provide historical perspective on the missions of various Prophets and morals to be
drawn for disobeying the messages of the respective Prophets and disastrous
consequences for disobeying the commands of Allah.
4.3. ISLAMIC ETHOS
They spell out the ethical and moral principles, which should guide the conduct of
human beings in this world so that they act righteously and follow the straight path.
They provide guidance to codify the criminal and civil laws including law of Justice,
marriage inheritance etc.
4.4. QUR’ANIC ENCOURAGEMENT TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ACQUISITION
OF KNOWLEDGE
Qur’an encourages acquisition of knowledge and scientific research so that
human beings improve the quality of their living conditions but warns against
luxurious living and wasteful expenditure.
Makes some startling revelations of scientific truths in human embryology,
geological, physical, chemical and astronomical sciences which came to be
discovered only during 18th
-20th
centuries.
4.5. QIAMAH OR DAY OF RECKONING AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO ALLAH
The Qur’an stresses on the Day of Reckoning and Accountability of human
beings to Allalh(swt) on that day for their earthly deeds. The Qur’an
repeatedly warns human beings to be watchful of their behavior and deeds
during the course of their lives on earth which are being constantly recorded.
Further nothing can be concealed from Allah (swt) even if it may be
the minutest particle located in the remotest corner of the earth.
The concept of accountability, which is the fundamental principle of modern
administration originated with the prophetic mission of Nuh (Noah) and has been
consistently reiterated by all the prophets commissioned by Allah (swt) to reform
societies in different parts of the world. This concept has been refined, crystallized and
significantly stressed in the Qur’an which conveys the final divine for the guidance of all
mankind. The concept of accountability implies a system of reward and punishment on
the Day Reckoning(Qiamah) based on the quality of deeds performed during life on
earth. Those who excelled in good deeds will dwell in Jannah(Heaven), whereas those
bad deeds outweighed their good deeds and who hoined partners will Allah(swt) will
face the Hellfire(Jahannam).
The modern system of management has borrowed the concept of accountability from
religion. Workers in any profession are constantly evaluated regarding the merit of their
performance. Their promotion or demotion depends on the quality of their
performance in the jobs assigned to them. What is valid for life on earth is equally valid
for life in the Hereafter or life after death when the entire mankind will be summoned
before Allah (swt). No one should express any doubt its occurrence. If one does it he or
she will do so on his or her own peril.